She's My Sleeping Pill

The event was held for family and close friends only. It wasn’t a big event even though Luna came from a rich family. It was simple because Ali and Luna didn’t want it grand. For them, what matters was that her family has finally accepted them.

Luna introduced Cayenne and Stefan to her family and her family gave them a warm welcome. After all, they knew that even though Cayenne’s family wasn’t rich, they didn’t hesitate to help Luna and treat her like a real family of theirs. They have a good impression of Cayenne and her brothers. Unfortunately, Luiz couldn’t come because of work and Kyle had a research project to do.

After the oath was exchanged followed by the engagement ring, Luna jumped into Ali’s arms happily. She had been waiting for this day to come. Every day, she prayed that her family will come to accept the man that she chooses to marry. She prayed that they will stop judging him and see his worth and realize that he was the man that God has made for her. And finally, her prayers have been answered.

In his arms, Luna was smiling but her tears were racing down her face. She was relieved. If her grandmother didn’t have any heart complications, she wouldn’t come back home at all. She feared that they will force her to leave Ali and marry someone else. She didn’t expect that they would accept him and even told him to work alongside their granddaughter to learn the ins and outs of their business.

Watching them, Cayenne’s heart was filled with happiness, too. She was a witness to how much struggle Luna and Ali had to endure because of their situation. She struggled to survive with the little amount of money they have from their work. But she loves him dearly which made her adjust herself to the current situation and adapt to the new environment she was in. Thankfully, she met Cayenne and she helped her become a stronger version of herself without depending on her family’s wealth.

Luna pulled away from Ali and looked toward her best friend. When their eyes met, she grinned happily which caused Cayenne to smile as well.

.....

[This silly woman. I really hope she won’t make a slip of the tongue about the wedding,] Stefan thought while watching the newly engaged couple.

***

In Vegan City, where Elia’s family lives, Artemis went to visit them to see how Elia was doing and to bring her some news as well. She wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing but she also didn’t want the woman to wallow in pain when she can actually have a lifetime of happiness.

After hearing Xian’s confession in the hospital last time, Artemis became intrigued about this kind of drug that could make someone forget a person and only remembers him or her after seeing one’s blood. She investigated this thing and to her surprise, it really exists. The Dragon Gang under her grandpa’s leadership before has even acquired this product. It was really amazing and Artemis wanted to share this discovery with Elia.

“Hi.”

“It’s a surprise to see you here. Come in.” Elia opened the door a little wider for her guest to come inside. The living room was spacious and wherever Artemis looked around, she could see Elia’s pictures. She could tell how precious Elia was to her parents.

“Are you an only child?” Artemis asked because she couldn’t see any other photo aside from the woman in front of her. It feels like their home was an art gallery with her as the only muse.

Elia looked around before she settled her gaze on Artemis. She was really happy to see her again. “I’m the second child,” Elia answered as she sat down and gestured for Artemis to do the same. “However, I’m the only living child. My older brother died when he was 2 years old.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine. A lot of people who didn’t know the truth would think I’m an only child because my parents spoil me so much.” Artemis nodded in agreement as she handed her house visit gift to Elia. “Thank you for coming to visit me, but what brings you here?”

Instead of answering, Artemis asked her a question, “Are your parents here?”

“No. They’re at the clinic. Do you want to talk to them?”

“Ah? No. No. I’m here for you. I just didn’t know if the words I’m about to say would be appropriate for your parents to hear.”

“What is it?”

“Xian was telling you the truth.”

Elia’s face showed a hint of annoyance when she heard the name of the person but she also frowned when a realization suddenly dawned on her. “Which of the things he said was the truth? And how did you know?”

Artemis moved closer and let out a deep breath before she continued. “I heard the things he said in your hospital room. It wasn’t really my intention to hear it but I was curious when he talked about this kind of drug that could make someone forget. I’m not sure if you have heard it on the news and I’m not proud of it; however, my grandfather used to lead a dragon gang. They have access to all kinds of products and that includes this kind of medicine. The one that your boyfriend took was more advanced than the one that we have. I don’t know how it was produced but an island in the Philippines could make this kind of drug. It’s not really illegal. It’s a type of drug that is made of sorcery and witchcraft.”

“You believed in those?”

Artemis felt a little embarrassed for saying these things because it sounded ridiculous even to her. Yet, it was existing.

“I believe in those because I’ve read a lot of cases before coming here. Apparently, there are people in the Philippines who can make this kind of drug. They call it a potion. Most of the people who can make this thing are found in provinces, away from the city and crowd.”

“They aren’t banned or arrested?”

“No, they are not. Aside from making this kind of potion, these people can also heal someone from other kinds of illness. In the Philippines, they are called albularyo or herb doctors. They rely on herbal plants to cure illness and to make this kind of potions.”

“That’s unbelievable.”

“It is believable. Didn’t this happen to your ex-boyfriend? And we have captured the woman who sold this drug to that nurse and make your boyfriend drink it. She admitted that she got it from someone she knew in the Philippines. She thought there was no harm in trying so, she gave it to the nurse who was also her friend. That nurse likes your boyfriend for a long time. So, she decided to use that kind of potion on him.”

“This isn’t a fairytale, you know.”

“I know but in the Philippines, you can find the answer to your doubts. Wait, your boyfriend went there already, right? When is he coming back?”

“Tsk! How would I know? I didn’t pay attention to him anymore.”

Elia had no idea that she will begin to regret not believing him starting this day. Xian wasn’t lying but she won’t have the chance to tell him the words she kept in her heart again.

Note: In the Philippines, albularyos exist. They can make love potions, too which is called lumay.